At $14,150/yr net price, Alexandria Technical & Community College graduates earn $49,393/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,393/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,150 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,393/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,393/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,722/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,618/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,341/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,922/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,977/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,536 | $16,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $51,773 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,856 | $12,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $47,260 | $12,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $46,018 | $5,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $40,945 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $39,729 | $12,000 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,568 |
The Risk Factor
60.5% of students at Alexandria Technical & Community College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Alexandria Technical & Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with median earnings of $49,393 putting graduates well above the typical community college outcome. Your $14,150 annual cost creates a manageable debt load that pays off relatively quickly in most programs.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $54,536 in median earnings despite carrying slightly higher debt at $16,000. Criminal justice and electromechanical instrumentation both produce strong returns above $50,000 annually. Even the lower-earning programs like precision metal working make financial sense, with graduates earning $46,018 while carrying just $5,500 in debt.
Your biggest risk is the 60% graduation rate, which means four in ten students leave without completing their programs. The school's location in central Minnesota limits your job market compared to metro areas, though the technical focus aligns well with regional manufacturing and healthcare needs.
This school works best if you want hands-on technical training without the debt burden of a four-year degree. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based support, so you'll likely pay close to the sticker price. Skip Alexandria if you need extensive financial aid or want programs that require bachelor's degrees for career advancement.
The combination of reasonable costs, practical programs, and decent earnings outcomes makes Alexandria Technical a financially sound choice for career-focused students willing to complete their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria Technical & Community College worth the cost?
Alexandria Technical & Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $14,150 and median debt of just $12,000. Graduates earn $49,393 after 10 years, which provides a reasonable return on investment for a two-year program.
What are the best paying programs at Alexandria Technical & Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Alexandria Technical & Community College, with registered nursing graduates earning $54,536 annually. Criminal justice ($51,773) and electromechanical instrumentation ($50,856) also offer strong earning potential relative to the low program costs.
How much debt do Alexandria Technical & Community College students graduate with?
Alexandria Technical & Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. With annual net costs around $14,150, students can often complete programs with minimal borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at Alexandria Technical & Community College?
Alexandria Technical & Community College has a 60.5% graduation rate. While not exceptional, this rate is typical for community colleges and the low debt burden reduces financial risk for students who don't complete their programs.